Black Box Data critical in Disputed Liability Accidents

Ed Smith

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An unappreciated piece of evidence in a trucking accident is often the black box data which can be obtained. The primary purpose of a "black box" is to determine by various inputs if air bag deployment is needed. These black boxes or electronic data recorders do not chart data over long periods of time, but they DO normally record data from various sensors for up to 5 seconds before an accident.

An accident reconstruction can be aided using such data and often measured deceleration from the crash and the pre-crash speed data can be obtained.

Many GMC model cars and trucks from 1994 onwards have a black box installed. Ford cars and trucks from 2001 onward may have these devices installed.

An expert witness familiar with such data must be retained early in the case so that the case can be prosecuted effectively.